The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) commemorated Navy Week New Orleans by welcoming more than 500 guests aboard for a reception in the ship's hangar bay, April 22.

The event included guests Mitch Landrieu, mayor of New Orleans; Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander, Marine Forces Reserve and commander, Marines Forces North; Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, commander, Navy Region Southeast; as well as the guest speaker, Rear Adm. Brad Skillman, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

Skillman extended his gratitude to the Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and the citizens of New Orleans for their support.

"I want to recognize and thank the many business leaders, volunteers and citizens who have been so instrumental in making Navy Week New Orleans possible," said Skillman. "Navy Weeks are important to us, and to you, to continue our relationship and deepen mutual understanding. We must get out and connect with the citizens of the United States; we are part of you, an asset which should be known and understood."

Capt. David K. Guluzian, Kearsarge's commanding officer, was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the week's events.

"Friends, family, and fans of Kearsarge, on behalf of the officers and crew of this fine warship, we wish you a warm welcome aboard," said Guluzian. "We are honored to be the fleet's representative here in New Orleans for the city's tricentennial birthday celebration. The crew has been looking forward to this visit for more than six months."

After the formal program, guests socialized with the crew and were treated to food and beverages prepared by Kearsarge's supply department. The evening concluded with viewing fireworks over the Mississippi River from Kearsarge's flight deck.

Navy Week New Orleans provides an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans and visitors to meet nearly 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's sea services.

Navy Week New Orleans is scheduled to run April 19-25.

For up-to-date information on ship locations and tour schedules, visit the official Navy Week New Orleans website at http://www.nolanavyweek.com and "Like" http://www.facebook.com/Nolanavyweek.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit www.navy.mil/ or http://www.facebook.com/LHD3.